Is 2 months too long to wait for breast cancer biopsy results?

Hello!

I was diagnosed with breast cancer last November. I had surgery in December and a biopsy on my lymph nodes. 

It’s now been nearly 7 weeks since my surgery and I still haven’t had the biopsy results back, which means my further treatment hasn’t started. Is this too long to wait? I’ve contacted the breast unit twice and keep being told there are delays with the pathology department. 

Im worried this could mean my cancer willl spread. What should I do? I think about it day and night, I can’t move on either my life whilst I still don’t know when my radiotherapy will start and if I’ll need chemo. 

At what point should I try to make a complaint? Or am I being over dramatic?

  • Hello and thanks for posting

    I’m sorry you've been waiting 7 weeks so far for your biopsy results.

    In some areas, there is a shortage of consultant pathologists to read and interpret results, and this can add to waiting times, depending on the number of samples that each lab is currently seeing. The best thing to do is to speak to your GP about this, or ring the specialist/consultant secretary to ask for an update on this.

    Hospitals will do their best to address any concerns patients have about their care. You may find it helpful to contact the hospital's Patient Advice and Liaison Service ( PALS)  to discuss your concerns.

    Many people worry that if they go on to be diagnosed with cancer it will have an effect on their outcome while they are waiting. But we do know that most cancers grow slowly, so waiting a few weeks does not normally affect how well treatment works. However, I appreciate waiting any length of time when you are worried is stressful.

    I hope you know more soon. Give us a ring if you would like to talk things over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Kind regards,

    Celene